The day-use area beach will be open after we conduct our first water quality test on May 20, 2024 and get the results back on the May 22, 2024. The beach will be unguarded until June 15, 2024 when our lifeguards come on duty and roping is in place. The official swimming season typically ends around Labor Day weekend.
Note that the beaches at DAR State Forest are NOT monitored or maintained by the Town of Goshen. These are owned, operated and monitored through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
Water quality at both the Upper Highland Lake Campers and Upper Highland Lake Day Use beaches are monitored and tested by Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH). The Interactive Beach Water Quality Dashboard is updated at 9:30am and 12:30pm every day (including weekends) during the swimming season. if the water is considered unsafe, notices will be posted at the two beaches by state officials. You may also call the DAR Headquarters at (413) 268 7098, or, email the headquarters at dar.forest@state.ma.us.
Massachusetts has a web page with FAQs on Beach Water Quality & Testing that provides information on the following:
- Why are beaches tested?
- What are indicator organisms?
- Are all beaches in Massachusetts monitored?
- How do bacteria get in beach water?
- What are the risks associated with bacteria in beach water?
- How is beach water tested?
- How often is beach water tested?
- Why do beaches close?
- When will the beach re-open?
- How do I know if it is safe to swim?
- Can I still go to the beach if it is posted closed to swimming?
- If I accidentally swam at a closed beach, and now feel sick, what should I do?
- How can I keep beaches clean?
If you wish to see historical data on contamination at particular beaches go to the Water quality at Massachusetts swimming beaches web page and you can view data from 2010 to the year before the current swimming season. Note that Goshen beaches are on the Freshwater beach report.
For more information about the DAR State Forest go to their website at DAR State Forest website. The website will have information on the following areas:
- Download a trail map
- Reserve a campsite: First night of camping at the DAR is May 16, 2024 this year. All campers must have a reservation to camp. Reservations can be made through the Reserve America web site or by calling 1-877-422-6762.
- Self-guided opportunities
- DCR Trip Tip family self-guided adventures
- Hours
- Parking and fees: Daily parking fees begin on Saturday May 25, 2024 and remain in place through the Monday of Labor Day weekend.
- Activities
- Facilities
- Accessibility
- Restrictions